Advanced cellular models for retinal diseases

Visual impairment and blindness have a profound and devastating impact on the lives of the affected person, their families and society. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting more than 200 million people. With an aging global population, the prevalence of AMD is expected to increase in the coming years, making it a significant public health concern. More than 100 million people are affected worldwide by diabetic retinopathies.
Driven by our passion to improve care, we transform the retinal health landscape by developing novel treatments and technologies, especially where nothing currently exists. Our ambition is clear - prevent vision loss in people at risk and to protect, preserve or restore vision in those with retinal disease. We are pursuing both oral and intra-vitreal treatments and are exploring opportunities in gene therapy to help us deliver therapeutic advances in our core indications: age-related macular degeneration, diabetes-related retinal degeneration as well as inherited retinal diseases (including e.g., Stargardt disease).

Science and innovation are at the core of the comprehensive pipeline portfolio we have built in Retinal Health. Our research focus is on targeting key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of retinal diseases: vascular dysfunction, neuronal dysfunction, and inflammation. We are using genetic data and patient-derived material to better understand the pathophysiological drivers of retinal diseases. We have established strong partnerships with leading academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development of novel therapies for retinopathies.

A major challenge for the development of novel therapies is the availability of innovative cellular systems recapitulating important parts of the pathophysiology of defined retinal diseases and enabling the translation of experimental results to patients. We are therefore seeking cutting-edge solutions that can bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application.

Which innovative models would you develop to enable a translational path ‘from bench to bedside’? Apply now to join Boehringer Ingelheim as part of the prestigious PostDoc grant program opn2TALENTS.

As a winner of this call, you will have the unique opportunity to pursue your own submitted research project as a fully resourced PostDoc project in the Retinopathy team at Boehringer Ingelheim at the Discovery Research site in Biberach/Riss, Germany. You will obtain a position for up to 3 years* with Boehringer Ingelheim within a cross-functional, international team of world-class scientists working on retinal diseases. The grant would also allow you to carry out parts of your planned experiments at your current home institution. [*The offered position initially covers a duration of 24 months with an option for extension by another 12 months.]

At Boehringer Ingelheim, you will have access to a fully equipped laboratory in a state-of-the-art research facility including access to all relevant tools (e.g., iPSC, retinal organoids) and technologies. Benefit from mentoring through our internal experts, have the chance to attend international conferences, and to publish your results in high-ranking journals. You will be part of the vibrant PostDoc community at Boehringer Ingelheim in Biberach with manifold opportunities for scientific, cross-functional exchanges for your personal development. You will have the opportunity to learn the process and challenges of drug discovery from the inside, including additional training and mentoring program.

In addition, benefit from the rich packages for employee benefit. Our most important asset in achieving our global vision is our people. We prioritize your growth, investing in our people through mentoring, coaching, skill-building, leadership development, and academic support. Our infrastructure promotes wellness with sports groups, health counseling, onsite medical services, and regular check-ups. Achieve work-life balance with flexible work hours, remote working, childcare support, counseling, and convenient amenities. We ensure financial health with employer loans, private insurances, access to discounts, and a company pension scheme. Benefit also from our excellent and healthy on-site catering and the opportunity for take away meals. We offer relocation support and interim accommodation to make joining us easy.

We are seeking detailed research proposals that contain a well-structured plan outlining a new and compelling scientific approach and can be completed within 3 years*. The focus of the project should be on the development of novel in vitro or ex vivo cellular models reflecting key aspects of the pathophysiology of retinal diseases (age-related macular degeneration, diabetes-related retinal degeneration, Stargardt disease). The models proposed should help to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications.

• New animal models.
• Research proposals outside of our core retinal disease indications (i.e., age-related macular degeneration, diabetes-related retinal degeneration, Stargardt diseases).
• Proposals which will take more than 3 years to complete.

• PhD with strong background in Molecular and Cell Biology.
• Hands-on in vitro and ex vivo experience in the field of retinal diseases.
• Displayed examples of creativity that led to out-of-the-box scientific ideas and results.
• Strong understanding of retinal biology and the pathways that drive the pathophysiology of retinal diseases.
• Track record of independent research as exemplified through publications or patents.
• Very good oral communication and presentation skills as well as the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment.
• Fluent language skills in English are mandatory, German language skills is a plus.

Please use our PostDoc grant application template to provide a 4-5 page non-confidential proposal (available for download here). Please complement with your CV, publication list, and recommendation letters.

If confidential data exists that would strengthen the proposal, please indicate that information is available to share under a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA). If we find the non-confidential concept proposal sufficiently interesting, we will execute a CDA for confidential discussions.

We can only accept research proposals if they arrive by the submission deadline on October 25, 2023, 11.59 pm PST.

All incoming applications accompanied by a research plan will be evaluated by a scientific jury, and, upon selection, you as the winner will have the opportunity to pursue your research project as defined by yourself as part of your PostDoc studies at Boehringer Ingelheim. An attractive package including salary, expenses, and additional company benefits will apply.

We can only accept research proposals if they arrive by the submission deadline on October 25, 2023, 11.59 pm PST.